The December solstice is on either December 20, 21, 22 or 23. It is called Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, on the day of the December solstice, the Southern Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest night. This year’s winter solstice falls on 22 December, at 04:48 UTC.

The December solstice has played an important role in cultures worldwide from ancient times until our day.

Christmas is the most popular holiday to have arisen. In addition can be mentioned other celebrations, as Yalda (the Iranian festival celebrating the longest and darkest night of the year), Saturnalia (an ancient Roman festival, celebrating on December 25, as the Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun), Karachun (the Slavic pagan holiday), Hanukkah (the Yiddish festival of light), Kwanzaa (the celebration that honours African heritage and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving) and Yule (the winter religious festival observed by the historical Germanic peoples).